Citrus-Infused Beef & Broccoli Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Citrus-Infused Beef & Broccoli Delight, a delightful stir fry that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy tender strips of beef sirloin mingled with crisp broccoli and colorful stir-fried vegetables, all enlivened by a zesty orange sauce. Rich in protein, vitamin C, and fiber, this dish is a wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Substituting chicken or shrimp can provide versatile options to suit your taste preferences. Don’t be deterred by the ingredient list; this chef-inspired dish comes together quickly, making it a fast favorite that your family will request time and time again.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
3/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
beef broth
1/2 cup (low sodium recommended)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (low sodium preferred)
minced gingerroot
2 tablespoons (freshly minced)
dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons (packed)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
boneless beef sirloin
1 lb (cut into strips)
sesame seeds
1 teaspoon (toasted, for garnish)
oil
2 tablespoons (vegetable or canola)
frozen stir fry vegetables
1 lb (thawed and drained)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for thickening)
sesame oil
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
grated orange zest
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
orange section
to taste (for garnishing)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add the beef strips, cover the bowl, and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour, or up to four hours for deeper flavor.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the thawed and drained stir-fry vegetables and cook, stirring frequently, until they are heated through, about 3 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil (excluding the sesame oil) and heat for about one minute. Remove the marinated beef from the bowl, letting any excess marinade drip off, and reserve the marinade for later use.
4
Carefully add the beef to the hot skillet. Cook while stirring occasionally, just until the beef is cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
5
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of the reserved marinade until smooth. Combine this slurry with the remaining reserved marinade. Stir this mixture into the skillet with the beef.
6
Return the skillet to medium heat, add the cooked vegetables, and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to cook until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are hot, which should take about 5 minutes.
7
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil and reserved orange segments. Serve the stir fry over a bed of rice that's been garnished with orange zest and sesame seeds for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Citrus-Infused Beef & Broccoli Delight?
The primary protein used is boneless beef sirloin cut into strips.
How long should the beef marinate for the best flavor?
The beef should be marinated for at least one hour, or up to four hours for a deeper flavor profile.
What ingredients make up the zesty orange sauce?
The sauce consists of orange juice, beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Can I substitute the beef with other proteins?
Yes, you can easily substitute the beef with chicken or shrimp to suit your preferences.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses a one-pound bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables, specifically including broccoli.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by mixing one teaspoon of cornstarch with the reserved marinade to create a slurry.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
The dish is best garnished with toasted sesame seeds, grated orange zest, and fresh orange segments.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a wholesome meal rich in protein, vitamin C, and fiber.
Should the stir-fry vegetables be cooked from frozen?
No, the frozen stir-fry vegetables should be thawed and drained before being added to the skillet.
What type of oil is used for the stir-fry?
Vegetable or canola oil is used for the high-heat cooking, while sesame oil is added at the end for flavor.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The beef strips should be cooked for approximately 3 minutes, just until they are cooked through.
What should I serve with the Citrus-Infused Beef & Broccoli?
It is recommended to serve the stir-fry over a bed of rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, while it requires marinating, the actual cooking process is very fast, making it ideal for busy nights.
What type of sugar is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of packed dark brown sugar.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including garnishes and pantry staples.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
Should I use fresh or ground ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for two tablespoons of freshly minced gingerroot for the best flavor.
Do I need a special pan to make this?
A large nonstick skillet is sufficient for this stir-fry recipe.
What do I do with the marinade after soaking the beef?
Do not discard it; the marinade is reserved to create the flavorful sauce for the dish.
When should I add the sesame oil?
The sesame oil should be stirred in at the very end, after the skillet has been removed from the heat.
Is it better to use low-sodium ingredients?
Yes, the recipe recommends using low-sodium beef broth and low-sodium soy sauce.
How do I prepare the orange zest?
Use a grater to collect one teaspoon of fresh orange zest for garnishing the rice.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen, you can substitute with one pound of fresh stir-fry vegetables.
What is the first step of the cooking process?
The first step is combining the marinade ingredients and refrigerating the beef.
How long does the final simmering take?
Once the sauce is added, it takes about 5 minutes for it to thicken and the vegetables to heat through.
How should the beef be cut?
The boneless beef sirloin should be cut into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
What is the purpose of the orange segments?
The orange segments are stirred in at the end to add fresh citrus flavor and visual appeal.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, its sweet and zesty flavor profile and colorful appearance make it a family favorite.
What heat level should I use for the skillet?
Use medium-high heat for the initial vegetable and beef cooking, then reduce to medium for thickening the sauce.
Does this dish store well for leftovers?
Yes, the citrus-infused flavors meld well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.